Good evening, and welcome to the “Kitchen Table” edition. My professional and family life got busy this past week – I’d explain more, but honestly, I think most of you really know from first-hand experience how this story goes yourselves! So, DH is away for business and the little ones are in bed on schedule, so time to catch up on a few things outside home and hospital, including this page:
” I feel very silly writing this. I am pro vax and the benefits to me will always outweigh any possible cons, I have got my daughter vaxxed for the optional Men B & Varicella vaccines.
However I was given the MMR booster after I had my daughter in the maternity hospital because my bloods showed I wasn’t immune. The midwife who gave me the vaccine then said I had to leave ASAP as it was a live vaccine.
This leads up to my question, my daughter was later on diagnosed with Autism and an intellectual disability. Someone mentioned to me about vaccine shed because I was [vaccinated] when she was 2 days old. I didn’t think this was a real thing and even though I know its probably BS I suppose I am just looking for reassurance because it has been at the back of my mind since.I am a bit embarrassed to ask my GP and don’t want to Google as I know there is a lot of false information on vaccines on the web.”
I read this a couple of nights ago, and I PM’d the mammy back then because it bothered me to think of it being at the back of her mind any longer. It bothered me deeply as a doctor who has counselled so many people through “it’s not your fault”.
Firstly, this mammy is awesome. She knew deep down this was BS. She still did all the right things. But this shows how mammy-shaming comments can still really prey on our mammy guilt. We are all so guilty. Every mammy just is trying to do her best.
So, what’s wrong with this?
Firstly, suggesting to ANY mother for ANY reason that she may be some how at fault for her child’s illness or disability is a particularly cruel form of mammy-shaming, and just horrible. I usually don’t judge, so I’m sorry to offend here, but it’s just cruel. If you are going to go there for any reason, I would hope you are an expert clinician or therapist, having fully assessed the child in a professional capacity, having latest research in your hands, and a second opinion. Even then, go there only in your head. Even doctors don’t “blame” mothers of unvaccinated children who get seriously ill or mothers of children who have theoretically preventable accidents: We empathize, we understand the fear/misinformation or how fast things happen, we feel the pain, and we try our best to educate. Blame? No.
So, rant over: what’s wrong with the science in that mammy-shaming?
1. It’s a myth based on old, out-dated information that the MMR vaccine can cause a viral shed. It doesn’t. It can’t. This misinformation is common but usually harmless — but in this case, added to fears. There was no reason for that midwife to rush you out like that.
2. MMR vaccine has no connection to autism. Full stop. We’ve exhausted this one before, and I’ve started archiving it. Still wondering about it? Head over to my website. Link is on the Page, What does cause autism/ASD? Same thing: we’ve broken it down on 2 separate Saturday Series.
What’s right with that story?
1. The post-natal MMR. It’s a good idea for 2 reasons if you aren’t immune. One, it reduces your risk of transmitting the diseases to your newborn. Two, you will be covered for rubella before your next (planned or unplanned) pregnancy.e Measles, mumps, and rubella are back, and the diseases are real.
2. This mammy is awesome. Full stop. Despite her fears, she did the right thing for her child and shut out the misinformation.
Take-aways?
1. Vaccines work. If you are still vaccine hesitant, get information from a trusted source.
2. This one is from my mother (and probably your mother): Think before you speak. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all
I highly, highly recommend the following book on this topic for anyone who has had this fear:
Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism: My Journey as a Vaccine Scientist, Pediatrician, and Autism Dad by the absolutely amazing Prof. Peter Hotez
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